4 Time Management Tips & Tricks for Students

You wake up in the morning and in the midst of getting ready you try and map out your day. Let’s think… Class from 8-2, meeting at 2:30, work from 4-9… Holy cow. When are you going to have time for yourself? Or with your friends?

Being a full-time student, an active member of a sorority, having 3 jobs, an internship, and having a boyfriend, one could saythat my life is a little hectic. Everyone manages stress and time differently, but personally I consider myself someone who thrives when they have a lot on their plate. So, if you are a person who feels like they’re drowning work, school, and whatever else, have no fear… the queen of time management is here to give you tips and tricks for juggling whatever your schedule might include.

1. Buy a Planner

Having a planner is one of the easiest ways to keep track of what you’re doing on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. It helps you stay organized, budget time, and remember everything that you need to get done. I take my planner with me everywhere I go, so it’s basically my pocket bible. You can find planners for less than ten dollars at Walmart, Target, or even online.

2. Make Lists

My mom always told me that if I’m stressed to make lists. Though it may seem silly, it’s actually a wonderful organizational skill that can help you budget time for what you need to get done that day. If you have a lot of homework assignments, make a list of the ones you need to get done that day and then check the items off as you go. It’ll make you feel like you’re getting a lot accomplished, and it’s a great way to take things a little at a time.

3. Use Technology

Technology can be extremely helpful in keeping yourself organized. There are plenty of apps that you can get for free on your smart phone or tablet that help you to do the things that I have listed above. For example, Moleskine is an app that I use that has virtual notebooks and planners. It can help you take your planner with you anywhere you go. Also, there is an app called Todoist,which is also free, which gives you a template for a virtual to do list. As you finish your tasks, you can check them off as you go. Also, you can set reminders for yourself to do things in the future.

If you find technology being your best friend as well as your worst enemy when it comes to managing your time, you are not alone. There are also apps available that will block your ability to check social media. Another tip may be to turn your phone off or put it in another room while you are studying and allow yourself 10 minutes to check it after studying for a certain amount of time.

4. Schedule Time For Yourself

Making time for yourself is crucial for your overall well-being. Whether it’s making sure you have enough sleep, making time for your hobbies, or making a little time to get some exercise, you need to put time aside to do things that make you happy. If you don’t you will get burned out due to lack of rest. So, the key to managing your time is making sure you have time to do things that make you happy.

I could give you all the pointers in the world, but the bottom line is that everyone is different in the workload that they can take on. Some people get stressed from just having work or school, and others can take on a lot and still be fine. It’s up to you to not overwhelm yourself and to schedule your time in a way that works for your lifestyle.